Does my dog have Addison disease?

by Dogo on 8/10/2010 at 11:30 AM in Best Post

Dog's Addison disease occurs generally when your dog is under heavy stress. This disease is more common in dogs than in humans and it happens more often in female dogs. The dog's adrenal glands stop working properly. These glands regulate the way a dog's body controls levels of water, sugar and salt. There are two hormones normally deficient in dogs with Addison disease: cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol helps to deal with stress besides converting food into energy and managing the inflammatory response of the dog's immune system. Dogs with Addison disease can experience low body temperature*, muscle weakness, collapse, low heart rate, etc. Temperature that falls below 99 degrees or rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit requires immediate attention. You can take your dog's temperature with ThermoPet* and contact your veterinarian. In most cases Addison disease it's hereditary. If you discover the disease ahead of time though pills and injection can help keep your dog healthy. Most dogs are able to survive the crisis.

* http://www.sanomedics.com/thermometers/dog/

No Comments | Login to Comment | Login to Subscribe